Gujarat Government Introduces Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026, Inspired by Uttarakhand Model
In a landmark move aimed at standardizing personal laws across diverse communities, the Gujarat government has officially introduced the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC), 2026 Bill. This comprehensive legislative proposal seeks to establish a uniform legal framework governing critical civil matters such as marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships throughout the state. The bill draws significant inspiration from the Uttarakhand UCC Act, with certain exemptions notably applied to members of scheduled tribes.
Cabinet Approval and Legislative Process
The Gujarat cabinet convened on Wednesday and ratified the draft UCC bill, subsequently forwarding it to the assembly secretariat. The government plans to table the bill in the ongoing legislative session for formal approval, marking a pivotal step in its implementation. This development follows extensive consultations with various stakeholders and communities, as highlighted in the statement of objects and reasons accompanying the bill.
Key Provisions of the Gujarat UCC Bill
The proposed legislation introduces several transformative measures designed to promote equality, justice, and social harmony. While allowing marriage ceremonies to be conducted according to religious customs and practices, the bill mandates compulsory registration of marriages and divorces. Non-compliance with this requirement could result in penalties of up to Rs 10,000.
In a significant inclusion, the bill addresses live-in relationships by obligating partners to submit a statement of their relationship to the district registrar within their jurisdiction. Termination of such relationships must also be formally notified. Children born from live-in relationships will be recognized as legitimate, and women deserted by their live-in partners will be entitled to claim maintenance.
Marriage and Divorce Regulations
The bill sets the marriageable age at 21 for men and 18 for women. It explicitly bans polygamy, with violations punishable by imprisonment of up to 7 years. Marriages conducted through force or coercion will attract both fines and imprisonment of up to 7 years. Additionally, marriages can be considered voidable if either partner provides misleading information.
A notable provision allows couples to remarry after divorce without any conditions, including the right to remarry their former spouse directly. This measure is seen as addressing practices like 'halala,' with violations subject to imprisonment of up to 3 years and a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
Succession and Inheritance Framework
Regarding succession, the draft bill categorizes heirs into three classes for cases where a will is not made: Class 1 heirs include spouses, children, and parents; Class 2 heirs encompass step-parents, paternal grandparents, and maternal grandparents; and other relatives comprise all individuals not in the first two classes. This structured approach aims to streamline inheritance processes and reduce legal ambiguities.
Objectives and Background
The statement of objects and reasons emphasizes that the bill seeks to uphold principles of secularism, gender justice, and social reform, thereby strengthening societal unity and integrity. It aims to provide a uniform legal framework for all citizens, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, or gender.
This initiative follows the submission of a final report by a committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Desai. The committee, formed by the state government to assess the need for a uniform civil code and draft the bill, presented its findings to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday, paving the way for this legislative proposal.
